Study investigates control mechanism that ensures accurate chromosome inheritance during cell division
Starting as a single cell, organisms undergo millions of generations of divisions to ultimately generate the bones, heart, brain and other components that make up a living being. The mainspring within this intricate process is the transfer of DNA through each subsequent cell split within discrete packets called chromosomes.
It s critical that all chromosomes are duplicated and precisely distributed through every generation of cell division. If the inherited chromosome components are altered, even slightly, birth defects and certain cancers can result.
A new study published in the journal
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VIDEO: An embryo of a roundworm (C. elegans) is shown undergoing its first division. The embryo expresses fluorescent probes that mark the chromosomes in magenta and the microtubules the filaments that separate. view more
Credit: Desai Lab, UC San Diego
Starting as a single cell, organisms undergo millions of generations of divisions to ultimately generate the bones, heart, brain and other components that make up a living being. The mainspring within this intricate process is the transfer of DNA through each subsequent cell split within discrete packets called chromosomes.
It s critical that all chromosomes are duplicated and precisely distributed through every generation of cell division. If the inherited chromosome components are altered, even slightly, birth defects and certain cancers can result.